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Her high school sweetheart is the last person teacher Hailey Deacon expects to encounter back home in Hartley Creek. Since Dan Morrow closed the door on their future, Hailey's determined to make this a temporary stay. She has an ill grandmother to take care of. But when Dan, now a widower, brings his troubled six-year-old daughter to Hailey for help, how can she refuse? Working with both father and daughter, she vows not to fall for him again. But if a determined little girl has her way, Hailey won't be leaving Hartley Creek again anytime soon.

Home to Hartley

A family legend brings cousins home.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2012

39 people are currently reading
224 people want to read

About the author

Carolyne Aarsen

213 books726 followers
Even with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com

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5 stars
104 (45%)
4 stars
66 (29%)
3 stars
48 (21%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Krista.
33 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2012
I was not aware that there were Christian based romance novels until I won this book from Goodreads. The title, Daddy Lessons, indicated an entirely different story to me. So, I was surprised to get the book and learn that there is an entire realm of Christian-based romance novels out there. Needless to say, this definitely means that you will not get the hot and heavy amorous scenes that you might in your typical Harlequin Romance. Rather, Daddy Lessons is a sweet G rated Romantic story about two high-school sweethearts who find their way back to each other after life took them on different paths. It was definitely uplifting to read a book where the male protagonist seems like a genuinely good person who is all about taking care of his daughter and is kind to all those around him. I would recommend this book to any Christians looking out for a sweet beach read. This is also probably something that young adults could read because there is no graphic sex, violence, foul language or anything like that. For those of you who like more sex and intrigue in your romance novel...you will probably not be satisfied with the uber sweet story delivered in Daddy Lessons.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,160 reviews129 followers
August 9, 2023
This book started good, but the characters became unreal.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,427 reviews120 followers
February 7, 2017
When teacher's aide Hailey Deacon comes back to her hometown to take care of her ailing grandmother. She takes a takes a teaching job at the local elementary school. Out of the school building window she sees her boyfriend from when she was in high school. He is trying to get his crying child Natasha to get out of his vehicle so she can start school in Hailey's classroom. Old romantic memories surround both of them but they ignore the awareness. Dan Morrow closed the door on his relationship with Hailey 7 years ago and she has never known why. She agrees to tutor his child and the feelings come back for both of them strongly even though they try to fight it. After he broke up with Hailey he had a one night stand with a woman and got her pregnant. He did the honorable thing and married her not that he was in love with her.He was only in love with Hailey. His wife whom he divorced has passed away and he now has custody of his daughter. Natasha, his daughter takes a real liking to her and because of her they keep spending time together. Hailey's sister says to her," Sometimes you have to go back before you can go ahead." So go back they did in their relationship and talk things out and he told her why he broke off their relationship and how the reason why has so heavily weighed on his heart. This contemporary romance from Harlequin Love Inspired was an enjoyable visit back to the series Home To Hartley Creek.
Profile Image for Rosa Cline.
991 reviews28 followers
January 9, 2021
This story was a good read and would have givin it 3 1/2 stars if I could. It did have a few small places where it dragged a little but didn't stay there and picked back up with the story. Story of forgiveness of yourself, and of the past and learning how God always forgives. How a little girl dealing with her Mamma's death helps two others to face the past and heal from it. A nice reminder of God still being with you even though you feel He's not
Profile Image for Karen.
1,811 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2015
Dan and his daughter Natasha have moved back to Hartley Creek after his ex-wife's death. Hailey is back in town with her grandmother's stroke. Will they renew their courtship after 7 years?
Profile Image for Joyce Stewart Reviews.
566 reviews44 followers
December 23, 2018
Daddy Lessons: A Single Dad Romance (Home to Hartley Creek)
Carolyne Aarsen
224 pages

Description

Her high school sweetheart is the last person teacher Hailey Deacon expects to encounter back home in Hartley Creek. Since Dan Morrow closed the door on their future, Hailey's determined to make this a temporary stay. She has an ill grandmother to take care of. But when Dan, now a widower, brings his troubled six-year-old daughter to Hailey for help, how can she refuse? Working with both father and daughter, she vows not to fall for him again. But if a determined little girl has her way, Hailey won't be leaving Hartley Creek again anytime soon.

This was a heart-breaking story of forgiveness and second chances. The cover caught my attention and the price was right, so I thought I would try it.
Natasha"s suffering over losing her mother makes you want to hold her and try to make it all better for her. I was in tears reading this story. The romance in this was very clean , sweet , and seemed realistic. The characters were all believable and the plot was very interesting the pacing was excellent. This story has love, adventure, twists and turns and finally after the couple face many obstacles they finally find happily ever after but not before they overcome their difficulties and prove their love and devotion to each other!
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a satisfying, quick read and a hearty dose of romance.
379 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2025
Daddy Lesson

A warm story of forgiveness and love with patience. A tragic death separated two people and prevented them to be together because of guilt. But with faith and love and forgiveness, the couple is united again.
92 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2026
Awesome

What a great read this was. Dan had to learn to forgive himself over pushing Haley away and his brothers death. If we pray God will give us direction if we just stop and listen.
150 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2026
Sweet Romance

I liked the clean language and the easy reading. Daddy lessons refers to his daughter learning some things differently and being taught by an old girlfriend, who is a teacher/tutor.
236 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2024
Great book.

This was a very good book. I love the way Carolyn brought Dan and Hailey together. I love all books by Carolyne.
Profile Image for Christine.
346 reviews
March 22, 2012
This book was interesting for me because even though I had a pretty good idea how it would end, I still really enjoyed reading how Dan and Hailey sorted through their past issues and were able to rekindle their love for each other. I found the romance between them very touching and liked their maturity in working things out together.

I also admired Dan for being so caring to Natasha. I could tell how much she meant to him, and he was a good dad to her. He was a bit gruff at first, but I could understand why and was glad to see him become happier towards the end of the story.

Daddy Lessons was a quick read and was one of those books that warmed up my heart. It's full of tenderness and love. :)

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
Profile Image for Amy .
324 reviews106 followers
March 12, 2013
I give this one a 3.5 star rating.. The story was cute & predictable, but very enjoyable.. It deals with family, love, loss and coping with loss and guilt.

At times i felt like I was missing something, but I think that's because it's part of a series.. I hate that these little romances are like that because you can't always find the books since they are only available to purchase for a short time :(
60 reviews
January 22, 2015
For me this book dragged on. A lost love and a second chance but they are both to busy trying not to come together. All the while spending ever day together. To me this could have done with about 150 to 200 pages less. To much of there own assumptions and thoughts made this drag out. The child is a lot of the story. She is not what a child would be like with her back story.
Profile Image for Shelly Hochdorf.
18 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2012
Was a great heartwarming story! Love it when I pick up a book and don't want to put it down till I am finished with it.
Profile Image for Leigh Bale.
Author 60 books107 followers
February 17, 2014
This engaging story perfectly captures the feel of small town America and the angst of single fatherhood. A heartwarming, touching read. Delightful.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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